Author: Justin Ballew
-
Question of the Week – Dandelion
What is this uncommon crop growing in the Midlands? These are a type of dandelion. Dandelions are gown as a leafy green for bunching. Dandelions are a rich source of vitamin A, C and K as well as minerals including iron and calcium. The flavor profile of the young leaves is similar to arugula and…
-
Weekly Field Update – 10/20/25
Strawberry planting is still going full steam ahead in some areas while it winds down in others. Fall greens are looking good with some caterpillars present in places. Keep an eye out for disease with the cool mornings and heavy dew. See details below. For anyone growing or thinking about growing sweetpotatoes, please take this…
-
October Grower Spotlight – McLeod Farms
Where is Brittney visiting this week? Brittney is visiting McLeod Farms in McBee, SC. McLeod Farms has been family-owned and operated since 1916, specializing in commercial peach production since the beginning. It is currently led by fourth-generation farmer Kemp McLeod, who learned the operation from his father Campbell. Kemp’s son, Spencer, a fifth-generation farmer, is…
-
Weekly Field Update – 10/13/25
As we get into strawberry season, check out this year’s Strawberry Webinar Series to brush up on disease management, bed formation, and insect management. SC pesticide applicators can earn 1.5 pesticide credists. The webinar is available now through 11/15. View Details and Register Here Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you…
-
Question of the Week – Beauveria
What has made this diamondback moth appear white and fuzzy? This diamondback moth is covered in a fungus called Beauveria bassiana. Beauveria is an entomopathogenic (meaning it develops on insects), soil dwelling fungi. This beneficial fungus is native to the US and affects at least 700 species of insects. Aerial spores of the fungus land…
-
2025 Recommendations For Fall Chemical Treatments In Strawberry Crops
By Guido Schnabel, Clemson University; Phil Brannen, University of Georgia; Bill Cline and Caleb Bollenbacher, North Carolina State University Whether or not Neopestalotiopsis (Neopest) will harm your strawberries this season depends on many factors – including the quality of the transplants, the cultivar, sanitation practices, soil inoculum levels, weather conditions, and the fungicides you use.…
-
Weekly Field Update – 10/6/25
As the weather feels more and more like fall, disease is becoming more apparent. Strawberry planting is just beginning and will pick up in the next week. Leafy greens are looking good, though caterpillar populations are high in places. See details below. As we get into strawberry season, check out this year’s Strawberry Webinar Series…
-
Southern Blight is an Unusual Disease on Kale
By Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath Southern blight is rarely seen on kale or any other brassica crop. In the United States it’s been reported on other brassica vegetables grown in Alabama and Texas. This week, I was surprised to see southern blight causing stem rot just above the soil line on several plants of…
-
Question of the Week – Basil
What is this crop growing in Hampton County? This is basil, a member of the mint family. Basil is native to India, where it was considered a sacred plant and used in religious rituals. The ancient Egyptians used it in embalming and for its aromatic properties. Greco-Romans believed basil symbolized love, protection and hospitality. It was…
-
Weekly Field Update – 9/29/25
Finally, some rain. It looks like we will get a little more in the next day or two. Diseases have been hanging around and are likely to kick up with the moisture. Caterpillar activity is causing some issues in cucurbits and brassicas. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so…
The South Carolina Grower 